By unanimous decision, Sierra County will have an updated short-term rental housing ordinance at the start of the new year. The countywide law, which excludes the City of Loyalton, will require property owners to have owned the proposed rental home for two years before getting a short-term rental permit. The purpose of this is to free up available housing for locals and new hires and not act as a deterrent to establishing permanent residents throughout the county.
Permits will carry a term of 3 years, expiring on December 31st of that 3rd year.
Also, for those operating Airbnb illegally, the ordinance addresses the cheating on Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) with a clause to have permits suspended and precluded from reapplying for 1-2 years. Permits will also not be transferrable and would hold a two-year hold once sold. Permit terms would also be given on a performance basis.
Special events that can lead to increased traffic, parking issues, noise, or cause an impact on the sewer system will also not be allowed.
The board of supervisors passed the amended ordinance during their October 4th meeting.
Planning Director Tim Beals said that he expects this to be a living document with revisions going forward for a few years.
